Archive for the ‘Avidya' Maya’ Category

Namaskar,
“This world is just like [a] waiting room. You are to remain here for a very short span.” (1)

Tragically, in this modern world, the mass of people live and plan their lives in such a way as if this world is their permanent abode. Due to the ill effects of gross materialism, common citizens think that their bank account, their house, their job, their physical appearance, their spouse, and their worldly possessions are the prized aspects of their existence. For this reason, they use cent-per-cent of their energy running after these ephemeral things, mistaking them to be the glory of human life.

This is the way materialism has led everyone astray, into some dark illusion.

Baba says, “This type of crude material knowledge concerned with the crude materialism has done much harm to human society during the last one century.” (2)

There is an inner aspect to our human existence that is hungry, yet the humanity is neglecting that which is inside because of being fully intoxicated with life’s material pleasures.

MANY SUFFER FROM THIS

As Ananda Margiis, we all know what the Goal of life is, as well as what it takes to get there. The Goal is Parama Purusa, Baba, and the way to get there is by sadhana. This fact everybody knows.

Yet, we have also witnessed the ill effects of materialism, and seen the common people suffer. Materialism has infested each and every pore of society. It is very difficult to completely separate oneself from that environment. Huge billboards, internet ads, crude social values, financial pressures etc meet people at each and every turn.

One of the clear-cut downturns of all this is that many do not get proper opportunity to learn sadhana as they are so submerged in materialism.

People commonly think, ‘I will learn about spirituality’; yet when it is time to start meditation they just find any number of other things to do. And when they do learn then if they sit down for sadhana, often it gets curtailed due to lack of time, lack of concentration, or feelings of hunger. So many get swept in this manner.

Perhaps some of you have also seen this or similar things.

And the gross materialism which surrounds us does not help; it leads to more spiritual lethargy. Whatever inherent lethargy some may have towards sadhana is negated by today’s crude environment. Because the world and all its inhabitants are running one direction, and they are trying to move in another. They are going against the tide.

Baba says, “The present-day materialism has brought humanity to this predicament. Its consequences are dreadful.” (3)

BABA’S GRAPHIC EXPLANATION

Before analysing more of the in’s & out’s of this issue, here is Baba special teaching about spiritual lethargy, or procrastination in sadhana.

“Spiritual lethargy is the worst. Spiritual lethargy means not to sit for meditation regularly. Those with spiritual lethargy have time for all other actions, but for spiritual practice there seems to be no time. They say, “It’s already late today – I’ll do a short meditation right now, and devote more time to sa’dhana’ tomorrow.” They sit attentively inside the cinema hall, but in dharma sa’dhana’ they feel sleepy.” (4)

We should all read the above quote multiple times and honestly evaluate how far Baba’s teaching applies to the situation nowadays.

OLD WAYS OF LIVING

In addition to today’s gross materialism, here are other reasons why it is often a struggle to move on the path of sadhana.

As Baba tells us, every human being has come from animal life – at one point in time or another. So people are highly familiar with animalistic desires and propensities. We need not be reminded about these things. That is a known path to us, and in general people gravitate towards the familiar and are hesitant to take up new enterprises.

For that reason, it take little or no energy for people to succumb to the four basic propensities: Food, fear, procreation, and sleep. No one needs any special training in these spheres; the mind automatically runs after these things.

In contrast, when sadhana is the most subtle practice for human beings, then invariably it is something that is very new and unfamiliar to us. Often it is not something that we have lifetimes of experience with. Whereas, for incarnations and incarnations in animal and human form, we have been deeply engrossed in material pursuits.

So being attached to this old way of living certainly contributes to spiritual procrastination.

OTHER REASONS WHY PEOPLE PROCRASTINATE

AVIDYA MAYA & SO-CALLED OBJECTIVE ADJUSTMENT

Then there are other things that lead to procrastination in sadhana:

1) Avidya Maya: The force of avidya maya casts allurements each and every moment, and when the whole society has fallen prey to the spell of avidya maya, then the force of that maya multiplies and it is very difficult to escape. If a person knows they should do sadhana, but all their worldly pressures tell them to work late, or buy a big house, or go to the movies, or watch TV, or whatever, then it is difficult to move on the path of sadhana. And every time a person gives in to the ignorance of avidya, then the more sadhana slips out of their fingers, and becomes something totally foreign.

2) Objective Adjustment: In the name of objective adjustment, some leave their spiritual practice behind and run after worldly endeavours. They then justify that going to dharmacakra and doing sadhana there is enough for the entire week, or thereabouts.

3) Microvita: Various microvita also pull us down and hinders our sadhana routine.

Plus when the entire society is moving towards money, matter, prestige, then that multiplies the problem.

Each of us individually should take an honest look at who we are and what is happening with our sadhana routine, and make special efforts to overcome whatever is hindering our practice.

WE HAVE NOT COME HERE FOREVER

Here is Baba’s special teaching about the waiting room phenomenon.

Nowadays, everyone thinks that this world is their permanent abode. They may say otherwise but practically they live as if this is the case.

So we should pay heed to Baba’s strict warning.

Smarana nitya anityatam

Baba says, “You should remember always that you have come here for a short span. You won’t remain in this world for a long period. You may remain here say for ninety or hundred years or say for one hundred and fifty years. Some saints like Traelaunga Sva’mii lived here for three hundred and fifty years. He lived in Varanasi in India and died in this twentieth century. But you are to live under certain limitations – limitations of time, space and person.”
“So you should always remember that you have come here for a very short span. It is just like a waiting room of a railway station. You remain there for a short period and when the train comes, you leave the waiting room. This world is just like that waiting room. You are to remain here for a very short span.”
“You should always remember this fact – “I have come here for a short span and I won’t remain here for a very long period. My home is elsewhere. I am just like a tourist.” You should always remember this fact. And as a universal tourist, you, while leaving for your permanent home, won’t require a passport.” (5)

One should take a moment to reflect upon how quickly time has passed since they have come on this earth – often decades and decades have passed. See how quickly people reach up to their present age. So this world is mobile and one day one will die. That could occur in the next moment or even sooner.

These are the practical realities yet so many remain oblivious of this fact. In day to day life, they do not include this equation of death into their plan. When they go to the market they plan that they will be returning back home. And when a student attends university then they have plan to one day return back home. But amazingly, when has come on this earth but they have no plan to leave. They think and act as if they will remain here forever. This type of mentality is not the intelligent way.

Without this point, the whole equation is incomplete. Baba Himself warns us to never forget that this world is anitya (ephemeral) and one day one is going to die. That time could come at any moment.

So we must not treat this world as our permanent abode. We should always keep our mind fixed on Him. And internally, we must remind ourselves again and again that we have only come here for a short time. Then and only then can we truly understand that sadhana – and not money or possessions – is the cream of life.

“BEMOAN THE FUTILITY OF YOUR LIFE”

Here again is Baba’ reminder about the nature of this human life.

“This short period of time from birth to death is human life. Human beings have come from the world of invisibility and at the end of this short span of time will return to the world of invisibility. Those people can be called intelligent who utilize every moment of their short life engaged in spiritual practice.” (6)

Failing to adopt the path of sadhana, will lead us on an endless spiral of suffering and pain in the myriad of deaths and rebirths in this material world.

“The worship of Brahma should be done scrupulously, or else you will later regret and bemoan the futility of your life with the last drop of your tears at your last hour. You should make your life worthwhile through your Sádhaná. How much can your worldly friends and relations do for you? After your death your relatives may perhaps ask, “How much money has he left behind?” Your friends may go to the crematorium and indulge in flattering reminiscences about you. Your husband or wife may cry for you for about ten or twelve days and then regain their normal composure. Your lot will be only a profound sigh – a record of the futility and frustration of your life. So do not waste your time lest you later have to repent.” (7)

BABA’S BLESSING

By Baba’s grace we must realise that this world is not our permanent abode, overcome all tendencies of spiritual lethargy, do sadhana, and reach up to Him.

Baba says, “The only way to advance is to follow the path of vigorous spiritual practice.” (8)

O ‘ Parama Purusa, even today Your sweet aroma remains lingering on that path – on the path which You have traveled. Baba, the songs which You sang so beautifully in tune and rhythm, those very songs are ever-present in the deep core of my heart. Their lingering resonance still vibrates my entire being.

O’ my dearmost Baba, I cannot ever forget Your blissful tales; it is impossible for me to forget. Your divine advent in my mind is far more significant than hundreds of lives of sadhana, & its penance. Baba, You are the most meaningful One in my life. You have graciously presented Yourself after my hundreds of lives of searching and longing.

Baba, even if You do not remain close to me, my mind does not go far from You. By Your grace, I always remain ensconced in Your blissful ideation. Keeping all my longings for You in my heart, I go on singing Your divine songs day and night. You have made me understand this truth: That to do any extraordinary task is impossible for those who have a dry heart. Only those with innate love for You will be able to climb over the insurmountable mountains. Others cannot because in each and every sphere of life Your grace is everything. Without that nothing is possible. By Your own qualities You have bound me with Your divine love and You always keep me under Your shelter.

“Mental purity helps particularly in keeping a person healthy. Impure thoughts increase the acidity of the blood and invite disorders of the stomach, heart and brain. That is why every human being should make as strong a habit as possible of selfless service and iishvara pranidhana (meditation). The best way to attain mental purity is to follow the principles of yama and niyama.” (Yogic Treatments, p.96)

We can say that Baba’s above guideline is wholly ignored and neglected by the general populace in materialistic societies where people are grossly involved in negative entertainment like reading filthy articles, watching negative movies, playing violent video games, and viewing sensual pictures on the web etc. Such depraving habits are critical causes of disease: They heighten the acidity of the blood and harm the major organs of the body. By purifying one’s thoughts through a spiritual way of life, a person’s physical constitution is enhanced and the mind is refined and readied for deeper meditation.
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This entire email is composed of 3 parts:
(1) Posting: Example of How Avidya Maya Binds In Its Noose
(2) Letter: Yet Another Mistake in that Book
(3) Prabhat Samgiita: 3185

Each section is demarcated by asterisks (***).

== EXAMPLE OF HOW AVIDYA MAYA BINDS IN ITS NOOSE ==

Namaskar,
By Baba’s grace and by following His guidelines, every Ananda Margii is advancing steadily ahead in their spiritual growth and development. And, verily, this is the greatest achievement in life – coming close to Him. Invariably, however, we encounter various obstacles and hindrances along the way. Some avoidable and some seemingly not.

Admittedly, there are many aspects of our life over which we have complete control – but even then we may slide in the opposite direction. The point being: We clearly have the opportunity to do something good and noble, yet we do something else.

Most often, this comes when worldly friends or various acquaintances invite or pressurise us to join in their mundane activities etc, and, not wanting to let them down, we may partake in those things – at the expense of our spiritual values and AM ideals. This is the very real problem that confronts many of us.

And this entire letter is aimed towards resolving this matter.

‘DOING TO PLEASE OTHERS’ CAN LEAD TO ONE’S DOWNFALL

While living in this world, we should do anything and everything to please Parama Purusa. Practicing sadhana, following yama and niyama, doing pracar, serving the needy, singing kiirtan, adhering to 16 Points, engaging in satsaunga etc. All these dharmic duties and responsibilities fuel our movement forward.

Even then, it happens that we find ourselves in such a predicament that we feel we should do things just to please certain worldly relations.

For example someone may say, ‘Aw c’mon, let’s go catch a movie tonight – a new film just came out! What’s wrong, why not join us.’

Then, under the pressure of their demand and not wanting to ruin the relation, we may say ‘ok’. In that case, sadhana gets minimized or skipped entirely and evening asanas may also be left by the wayside. The point being we miss out on our dharmic duties.

Or in another scenario, some old acquaintances or laokik family members may say, ‘Come over during the holidays and let’s talk about old times etc’.

Or, someone might say, ‘I never see you anymore, how about a trip to my beach house this weekend, or a reggae concert this Friday night, or what about getting a bite to eat at the deli.’

All these things can happen and in so doing we lose the opportunity to adhere to our spiritual path. And this costs us dearly.

These are all examples of how avidya maya tries to bind us in her noose.

These are all real-life situations that we may encounter and in wanting to please such persons we may acquiesce. We may say, ‘yes’. In which case, the result is always the same: We skip out on doing or shorten our spiritual practices and overlook our social responsibilities etc. By this way we commit pratyavaya – “not to do what should be done”. (1)

PRATYA’VA’YA: WORSE THAN SIN ITSELF

Here, in crystal-clear language, Baba warns us that pratyavaya – not doing those noble deeds that should be done– is worse than sin.

Baba says, “Pa’taka also means sin against religion or God. Pa’taka is divided into two categories. One category is papa or sin. If something is done which should not be done it is called papa. That which is not done but should be done is called pratyava’ya. Papa and pratyava’ya are both undesirable things. But according to the ancient saints and sages, pratyava’ya was more abominable than papa.” (2)

So committing pratyavaya by not doing sadhana, or failing to help in a service project, or skipping our designated duties and responsibilities, is a veritable offense that severely hinders our growth as we lose momentum on the spiritual path. And this happens quite often due to wanting to please this or that worldly relation. I am sure in our own lives we can think of an example or two when this has occurred.

And if we are not careful, saying ‘yes’ to such worldly relations and failing to adhere to our dharmic duties can hinder, obstruct, or even ruin one’s life.

THE TRAGIC CASE OF KARNA

Perhaps no one in the course of history suffered more due to this defective mentality of ‘doing to please others’ than Karna. During the Mahabharat era, Karna was the epitome of this defective approach.

Because in order to please the evil-minded Duryodhana, the well-intentioned Karna passed up his dharmic responsibilities countless times: Karna had the opportunity to join Krsna and the Pandavas; Karna had the opportunity to oppose injustice; Karna had the chance to become a real ksattriya; Karna had the chance to bring peace to the entire Kuru kingdom. But none of those things did Karna do.

All because the kind-hearted Karna did not want to displease his friend – the evil-minded Duryodhana. Rather he wanted to do anything and everything to please his friend Duryodhana. And because of this, Karna suffered a lot until finally it cost him his very life.

This entire chapter is quite well-known; and indeed it is a tragedy.

MOSTLY GOOD PEOPLE SUFFER

One of the most startling things in all of this is that good people tend to suffer the most from this defective approaching of ‘doing to please others’. Due to their simplicity, due to the desire of not wanting to disappoint anyone, due to their desire to please anyone and everyone, good people say ‘yes’ to so many nonsense things that spoil and widdle away their time. And in that manner they commit pratyavaya, by failing to do those dharmic works which they should do.

So really it is good people who suffer the most from this because those who are bad just attend to their own selfish desires and never do things to please others.

MARGIIS ARE ESSENTIALLY GOOD

And, of course, Ananda Margiis are essentially good people. Margiis want to be kind and help others etc. And those are certainly desirable traits – until with our simplicity we fall away from our AM dharma due to this very attribute. At that point it becomes our achilles heel.

DHARMA MUST BE FOLLOWED

The problem is that most of the globe has no idea what dharma is nor are they interested in following it. But for we Ananda Margiis, we have a Dharma Guru in which case our entire life is just meant to spin around the cosmic wheel of dharma. That is the whole purpose of our life.

Baba says, “I should do something. I have a human structure. I am a human being. I should do something. I should act like a human being. I should try to goad myself to the realm of divinity, it is my dharma. I should follow dharma, I should strictly adhere to the code of dharma.” (3)

Thus Baba guides us that we are to follow dharma always. That is why we have come on this earth.

MARGIIS ARE ESSENTIALLY GOOD: PART II

Yet, in this crude, capitalist, materialistic era, when we are surrounded by so many co-workers, neighbors, laokik family members, in-laws, friends, etc– all of whom do not follow dharma, then naturally the whole scene becomes a little sticky.

And in our desire to be nice, friendly, and hospitable, the danger always is there that in order to please others we may fall or slip away from our dharma.

We all know how various invitations come our way, and in our desire to maintain friendship with those people, we say ‘Yes, I will be glad to’. But unless that ‘yes’ is going to help those people in a dharmic way, then that ‘yes’ is going to pull us of our dharma. That is the point. That is the dangerous part.

And the ironic thing is that we do these things and satisfy our friend’s desires to ‘maintain our friendship’ with them. Yet that very friendship is destined to break due to its worldly nature. The friend may move away, or get a new job, or marry in a far distant land, or die, or they may decide that they just do not like you anymore. So many things can happen. And in the process, in order to safeguard that worldly friendship which is temporary in nature, we ourselves fall from dharma by committing pratyavaya. That is the outrageous irony.

This is how avidya maya works and tries to keep us in her clutch.

TO SAFEGUARD ANY FRIENDSHIP DHARMA IS NEEDED

Truly speaking then, to maintain any friendship we must convince those persons to come onto the path of dharma. Then only will that friendship last through the ages, otherwise not. And then also can we keep ourselves on the path. So that is the best solution: To bring those whom we know onto the path of dharma rather than letting ourselves get pulled off it. Hence we should not fall prey to the mentality of ‘doing to please others’ when that very action will not allow us to fulfill our dharma. On this point we should be adamant.

BABA’S BLESSING

By Baba’s grace, in this following passage, He reveals some of the special secrets to leading a successful spiritual life. Really it is a unique quote so please read it down to the very end. There are only a few places where Baba gives this type of special guideline– in this type of language.

Baba says, “A spiritual aspirant who wants to attain sama’dhi needs to develop vaera’gya (spirit of renunciation) and abhya’sa (continued practice). Remember, sama’dhi is neither pavrtti mu’laka nor nivrtti mu´laka. Vaera’gya is the absence of attachment, not repulsion. In order to deal with objects properly one should never become subservient to them, but should ascribe Brahmahood to them by cultivating the repeated practice of cosmic ideation or Brahma Bha’vana.”
“What is abhya’sa? Tatra sthitao yatno’bhya’sah. Abhya’sa is the creation of a particular continuous psychic vibration. It is the most essential factor in the spiritual sphere. The continuous endeavour to maintain the state of equilibrium of citta leads to the attainment of sama´dhi. When one is attracted by an object one runs after it, and when one feels repulsion for an object, one runs away from it. A person who is fond of wine often thinks of wine, whereas a person who detests wine prevents his mind from thinking about wine. Unless attraction and repulsion are both transcended, the mind can never attain a state of equilibrium or sama´dhi. Mental equilibrium only becomes possible when one makes a constant endeavour to attain psychic balance.”
“Sama’dhi becomes a natural phenomenon as a result of continuous spiritual practice. Procrastination is something undesirable on the spiritual path. If ever spiritual practice is discontinued endless desirable and undesirable waves of thoughts occupy the mind. Spiritual practice should be continued uninterruptedly and with proper sincerity and veneration, otherwise sama´dhi will forever remain a theoretical subject of philosophy, never entering the periphery of practical realization. One must not adopt the psychology, “I’m practising spirituality because my a’ca’rya (spiritual teacher) told me to.” Rather one should think, “I want to attain spiritual realization. My a’ca’rya is merely guiding me along the path.” Only when one takes full responsibility for one’s own spiritual life can one attain the peak of spiritual progress and become fully established on the solid ground of spirituality.” (4)

BABA’S RELATED TEACHINGS

“Hindrances are created by Avidyámáyá, which is one’s own evil force. Merely leaving the human world and living in a jungle will not set one free. Avidyámáyá will go with you to the jungles and mountains and create obstacles in sádhaná by substituting the howling of animals for the bustling sounds of human society.” (5)

“Intuitional practice, as taught by a great preceptor, is the healing balm; it is with this that one can drive away Avidyámáyá and gain emancipation. As the influence of Avidyámáyá decreases, the temptations and troubles of the world cease to be an obstacle to intuitional practice. As this is the only way to overcome Avidyámáyá, it can easily be practised within worldly life. Avidyámáyá will disturb a person in the beginning, but once defeated, it will not be able to create any hindrance to the pursuit of intuitional practice.” (6)

“In the embryonic form, in the starting phase, it is the inborn instincts that may stand in the way, that may create hindrance in your march. One must keep these inborn instincts under control. The reins must not be loosened; in behaviour, in different types of psychic expression, there must be some kind of restraint. Human beings by dint of their own ordinary power very often cannot do this. I already told you that human beings at the most can make efforts, and if Parama Puruśa is pleased with their efforts, He will help them with positive microvita; Parama Puruśa will get the work done with the help of positive microvita. The duty of human beings is only to continue their efforts to please Parama Puruśa. Thus when any work is done.” (7)

“In the stage of vyatireka the obstacles appear more from within than from without. These obstacles are psychic in nature. For example, when in the course of sadhana one attains the state of yatamána, then obstacles appear from all sides. Family members create obstructions. The environ-ment creates obstructions.” (8)

“It is a fact that the force of Avidyá disturbs a spiritualist more than it disturbs an ordinary person. Various situations arise in life such as material difficulties, family unrest, abundant wealth, tremendous reputation, acute financial distress, or extreme humiliation. Sádhakas will have to bravely confront these mundane situations as a test. They must never think in terms of retreat – it would be fatal, for the Avidyá force would stab them as soon as their backs were turned. In all circumstances one must continue the process of sádhaná to gradually enhance one’s latent psychic and spiritual power. Just as all-round physical exercise makes the body fit, similarly appropriate psychic and spiritual exercise (as a struggle against Avidyá) leads to one’s psychic evolution and spiritual elevation. If one is keen to advance, if one wants to attain expansion as well as bliss in life, one must continue to struggle. Brahma sádhaná is an all-round struggle leading to all-round progress and the ultimate goal of merging in the Supreme Source.” (9)

Namaskar,
Cinmay

Note 1: ONE LAST GUIDELINE FOR US ALL

Here again we should be strict with ourselves and not fall prey to the defective approach of trying to please everyone. In that case we are sure to neglect our dharmic duties – committing pratyavaya

Baba says, “Throughout life people should…move along the path of righteousness. If people do not do the things which they should do by thought or deed, and engage in activities opposite to this, they are committing pratya’va’ya.” (10)

There are so many mistakes in the book: “The Jamalpur Years.” And, unfortunately, here is another.

On page 395, the writer is proclaiming that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu created this kiirtan: “Hare Rama Hare Krishna.” But that is not correct; that is wrong.

According to Baba, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu wrote two distinct kiirtans:

1. Hare Ram Hare Ram Ram Ram Hare Hare.

2. Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krna Krsna Hare Hare.

Thus, Baba guides us that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu did not mix the names Ram and Krishna (Krsna) in the same kiirtan.

So Devashish’s book – “The Jamalpur Years” – goes in the wrong direction.

On points of authenticity and veracity his book not up to the mark. If one just thinks they reading fiction when picking up this book, then it is ok. But if one picks up this book in hopes of getting the truth – then be careful.

The central idea is that our Baba is our ista: We meditate on Him, sing His glroy, chant His name, and keep Him in our heart.

Thus anything written related with any Baba story should be accurate and true. That should be pristine, clear, and not at all misleading.

If we accept whatever anybody writes about Baba – wrong or right – and do not oppose any errors, then the standard of books will decrease more and more. That will be very bad.

But if book writers are getting pointed out when they veer from the truth then in the future writers will be more alert. They will be forced to do some homework before putting something into book form and calling it a Baba story. They will be deterred from publishing wrong things in the name of a Baba story. That is the great benefit and need of pointing out the wrongs.

If you have this book – “The Jamalpur Yoga by brother Devashis / Devashish – and you have noticed some mistakes, please write us.

O’ Parama Purusa, You are my most close; You are my dear most. I deeply love You with all my heart. I always yearn for You in my mental abode. Baba, I want Your closeness. Why are You remaining distant – & not coming close by my side. You are not understanding the pain of my heart nor my hope to always have You.

At a distance You go on smiling sweetly with Your charming smile. Why do You do like this. By this way You pull my heart; my heart gets taken away. O’ Divine One, all the sweetness of this universe is filled with Your nectar. But You are hiding Yourself within Your divine liila of darkness and effulgence. To understand You, to realise You is very difficult. Only by Your grace can one understand You.

Age after age, so many yogis have been ensconced in Your shravan, manan, niddhidhyasana, japa, kiirtan, and dhyan, but without Your divine grace nobody can realise You. In each and every atom, proton, electron, and neutron as well as in the stars, galaxies, and nebulae– all are singing Your glory, greatness, and magnanimity. They are spreading the love of Your causeless grace.

Baba, I always long for You; I want Your proximity in the abode of my mind & heart. I want to have You. Baba, You are my nearmost & dearmost…

Namaskar,
After the DMS held on 6th & 7th October in Ahmedabad, on 8th October Purodha Pramukha reached Himmatnagar to visit an Ananda Marga school. Upon his arrival, various lady ma’rgiis were doing a’rati (ceremonial reception) per the Hindu system with diipam and flowers in front of PP dada Vishvadevananda. And PP dada was standing there with folded hands accepting the a’rati in his honour, as if he is the guru. So PP dada was honoured as dogmatic religious institutions do for welcoming a sadhu maharaj or guru. So Purodha Pramukha was essentially being treated as the guru, and PP Dada accepted it.

As you will read down below, this is all part of Rudranandji’s grand plan to lay claim to more and more power. If the margiis revere PP Dada as a guru by receiving him with a’rati, then certainly margiis will abide by each and every order given. That is the motivating factor.

And verily this is coming into form. As just last month (October 2012), Purodha Pramukha was received with a’rati by margii didis in Himmatnagar. Some of the many present who witnessed this were: Dr. Chunibhai Patel (BP of Himmatnagar), Dwarakajii (BP of Ahmedabad), Manojkumar (Himmatnagar), Suresh Lagate (originally Marathi, but settled in Ahmedabad), and many Wt Dadas and Didis.

This is the new dogma taking shape: In various places where Purodha Pramukha Vishvadevananda visits, new and naive margiis are encouraged to do a’rati to PP dada. And Purodha Pramukha dada acts as if he is worthy, or as if this is the Ananda Marga system. But we know, a’rati is only done for guru or God. No one else. Yet now we see that PP dada is accepting a’rati.

(For those not familiar with the Hindu tradition of a’rati – or ceremonial reception for the Lord or guru – see the link for the youtube video in note 1 at the bottom of this email.)

This dogma got started because new people saw PP dada sitting on the dais, not singing bhajans but rather accepting them as his own glories. So in this next phase they started doing a’rati. That is how this dogma of PP being the guru has expanded.

Until we oppose this, it will continue – and grow. Such is the danger.

HINDU SYSTEM OF TRANSFERRING GURU-SHIP

Some of the dogmas of Hinduism have been dragged and dumped into Ananda Marga. As we know, the general Hindu tradition is that when a guru dies then a new guru takes the place of the old guru and he becomes the leader of the sect. That means, as a guru he will initiate new people and all followers will be his disciples. They will treat him as the guru. And the new guru will get the same importance as the previous guru who died. The new guru will have full control and undisputed authority.

IN ANANDA MARGA, NO ONE ELSE BECOMES THE GURU

But our Ananda Marga is not based on Hindu dogma – our system is different.

Thus, whether Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji remains in physical form or not – He is the Guru. He is guiding all the time, every moment. Baba is Sadguru: He remains with every disciple, all the time, and guides them. No disciple is left alone. That is the quality of characteristic of Sadguru.

That is why still today, when an acarya initiates anyone, that acarya is not the guru of that new initiate. The Guru is Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji. That is the unique, tantric system. It is unlike Hindu dogma.

RUDRANANDJI’S STRATEGY +

PP DADA’S MISGUIDED WAYS CONFUSED SOME MARGIIS

Now, unfortunately, a strange metamorphosis is taking place. PP Vishvadevananda is being revered as a guru. How did this happen?

First of all, this has been Rudrananda’s long-standing strategy: Make PP dada revered as a god and gain more authoritative power for himself. To this end, Rudranandji has worked hard to implement the ceremonial reception with a’rati for PP dada at regional DMS functions. He wants margiis to become habituated to this. In each and every unit and bhukti, margiis should have it set-up ahead of time to receive Purodha Pramukha with a’rati. So it is Dada Rudrananda who has initiated this dogma. Some say PP dada willingly accepted it because it gave him ego satisfaction; others say PP Dada felt pressured to acquiesce to Dada Rudrananda’s demand. Whatever may be, the dogma of receiving PP dada with a’rati is currently in vogue.

A secondary cause is this: As PP Vishvadevananda does not raise the “Jai” slogan for Baba at DMS, some newly initiated margiis think that he is the new guru, as in the Hindu system. They think that just as the current head of any Hindu ashram is the guru, then in the same way PP Dada is also the guru of Ananda Marga. By seeing the way Purodha Pramukha behaves on the dais, new people think that PP dada is the guru. That also contributes to the confusion.

PURODHA PRAMUKHA HIMSELF BOUND BY AVIDYA MAYA

Why does PP dada not oppose this?

Well, as stated above, he is basically following Dada Rudrananda’s mandate. Plus we have to remember that PP dada is an ordinary human being bound by avidya maya, and the astapashas (8 bondages) and sadripus (6 enemies). PP dada likes having prestige. So he is ok with being revered as the guru even though he knows it is sinful to do this drama. Because when someone treats him as the guru, then his ego is satisfied.

Why then are Rudrananda and others injecting this? Because, as stated above, it is their plan; this is exactly what they want. They get their power from PP dada. It is a direct relationship. The more PP dada is revered the more Rudrananda & Co are revered. And if PP dada is not held in high regard, then the level of their own respect will also be lower.

It is just like how religious priests plot their course. They give all orders in the name of God. They tell: “This is not me saying this – I am not speaking – this is God’s command – and if you do not follow, then you will face the consequences.” Such priests use the power of God to get their followers to abide by their orders.

Similarly, Rudranandji says that, “Baba has told how PP Dada should be treated – by following Baba’s edict we can please Him – Baba was PP and now He has bestowed that power unto PP Dada – so we should all pay heed and follow Baba by giving maximum regard to PP Dada.” This is Rudranandji’s method. And his underlying motivation is that if this a’rati dogma is implemented and PP is honoured up to the sky, then all other orders he gives will also be followed. That is Rudranandji’s chief aim.

By invoking the name of God, those priests garner more power and respect from their followers. It is a direct relationship. Same is the case with PP dada and those group leaders. By citing Baba and putting PP dada up on a pedestal, the ruling group leaders gain more power over the margins.

We should also keep this fact in mind: As many may know, PP dada Vishvadevananda is basically a stooge. So in true sense all power gets routed to Rudrananda etc.

AGAINST THE SANCTITY OF GURU-DISCIPLE RELATION:

THIS MUST NOT BE TOLERATED

This type of dogma is antithetical to the Guru-disciple relation. Spirituality will be just a dream if one is always busy in highlighting oneself and boosting one’s ego. In that case the mind will be barren like the dry desert. When PP dada is following in the footsteps of those dogmatic Hindu gurus and feels satiated by the prestige, then that is disgraceful. It is opening the door of his spiritual demise. By his own behaviour he is misleading countless people by encouraging them to believe that he is their guru, and Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji is their Guru’s guru.

If we ignore all this and keep quiet then our children and grandchildren will not understand what the real Ananda Marga is. They will see all the dogma going on in AMPS and mistake that as being the real dharma of Ananda Marga. They will not know that it is all dogma. We should never let such a scene come to pass.

This dogma of doing a’rati to PP Vishvadevananda and treating him as the guru must be stopped – now.

Namaskar,
Keshava Bhai Patel

Note 1: DOGMATIC HINDU STYLE OF A’RATI

Here below is a description of a’rati from Wikipedia:

Aarti is generally performed one to five times daily, and usually at the end of a puja (in South India) or bhajan session (in North India). It is performed during almost all Hindu ceremonies and occasions. It involves the circulating of an ‘Aarti plate’ or ‘Aarti lamp’ around a deity and is generally accompanied by the singing of songs in praise of that deva. In doing so, the plate or lamp is supposed to acquire the power of the deity. The priest circulates the plate or lamp to all those present. They cup their down-turned hands over the flame and then raise their palms to their forehead – the purificatory blessing, passed from the deva’s image to the flame, has now been passed to the devotee.

The aarti plate is generally made of metal, usually silver, bronze or copper. On it must repose a lamp made of kneaded flour, mud or metal, filled with oil or ghee. One or more cotton wicks (always an odd number) are put into the oil and then lighted, or camphor is burnt instead. The plate may also contain flowers, incense and akshata. In some temples, a plate is not used and the priest holds the ghee lamp in his hand when offering it to the Deities.

The purpose of performing aarti is the waving of lighted wicks before the deities in a spirit of humility and gratitude, wherein faithful followers become immersed in God’s divine form. It symbolises the five elements: 1) ether (akash), 2) wind (vayu), 3) fire (agni), 4) water (jal), and 5) earth (pruthvi). Communal Aarti is performed in the mandir; however, devotees also perform it in their homes.

When aarti is performed, the performer faces the deity of God (or divine element, e.g. Ganges river) and concentrates on the form of God by looking into the eyes of the deity (it is said that eyes are the windows to the soul) to get immersed. The flame of the aarti illuminates the various parts of the deity so that the performer and onlookers may better see and concentrate on the form. Aarti is waved in circular fashion, in clockwise manner around the deity. After every circle (or second or third circle), when Aarti has reached the bottom (6-8 o’ clock position), the performer waves it backwards while remaining in the bottom (4-6 o’ clock position) and then continues waving it in clockwise fashion. The idea here is that aarti represents our daily activities, which revolves around God, a center of our life. Looking at God while performing aarti reminds the performer (and the attendees of the aarti) to keep God at the center of all activities and reinforces the understanding that routine worldly activities are secondary in importance. This understanding would give the believers strength to withstand the unexpected grief and keeps them humble and remindful of God during happy moments.

Note 2: VIDEO FOR YOU TO SEE

When watching this below video, please bear in mind that just as those dogmatic followers are honouring and worshiping the Hindu deity, at the recent reception in Himmatnagar, the lady margiis were honouring and worshiping Purodha Pramukha in the same manner. PP Dada who was the focal point. PP Dada was the one in the centre, and all the ladies were dancing and swaying around him. Those ladies were serenading PP dada with their heart-felt longing and lit candles. They were doing a’rati to him – considering PP as the Revered One. So if you exchange the Hindu deity in the video for PP Dada, then you will get a sense of what transpired recently in Himmatnagar.

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“Saba’r tare a’sa’ a’ma’r saba’ri bhare a’mi nob…” (PS 5000)

Purport:

Parama Purusa has sent me here to serve everyone. By His grace I will carry the burdens of one and all. I will solve the problems of one and all. will go on remaining very close with everyone to help them. Nobody is other, everyone is mine. Everyone’s home is my home. I will spread my and affection to one and all. Everyone is mine; no one is alien. Parama Purusa has sent me here to serve one and all…

O’ my dearmost Baba, I love only You. Why I love You that I do not
know– I cannot say. But one thing is sure, from the deepest core of my
heart I love You. Baba, by Your grace I have chosen Your path. You are
my Polestar and I never have any iota of doubt why I have come on this
path. My eyes remain fixed on Your blissful arrival, looking for You day
and night.

Baba, my mind always remembers You. In good times and bad, my mind
always remains awake thinking about You. Baba please grace me by coming in
my mind all the time– during sleep & while awake, all the 24 hrs. Except
You I do not believe anything. You alone are the love of my life.

Baba, whatever may be the height of the tidal waves, and no matter how
severe the difficulties are, always I will march ahead on Your path. And by
Your divine grace I will continue to overcome all obstacles and reach unto
You. Baba, other than You I have no desire. You are my Goal. You are my
Ista.
You are the Essence of my existence my Soul of soul. Baba, You are my
dearmost, I love only You…

== HOW EVEN GOOD PEOPLE MESS UP ==

Namaskar,
We all want to move ahead in life and leave old habits behind, but it is
not always so easy. Often a person gets trapped or ensnared by past
behaviours. The mind clings on to “old ways of doing” and gets entangled
in past samskaras.

For instance:

A) A vegetarian fully aware of the negative effects of eating meat walks
past McDonald’s and then turns around, goes inside, and eats a
hamburger, or perhaps one day he visits a friend’s house and eats a
vegetable dish that contains a fish sauce.

B) A drug counselor, who’s been “clean” for ten years and passes his
days teaching others about the ills of doing cocaine, gets arrested for
snorting cocaine in the basement of a pub.

C) A sadhaka who’s been leading a sentient life for many years reverts
back to his old pre-sadhaka behviour by watching Hollywood / Bollywood
films in the evening and skipping over his sadhana routine.

We have all heard or seen such things transpire, either in our own life,
in the life of others, or, most likely, both.

Of course it does not have to be as blatant as the examples above. It
can be as “simple” as reverting back to any past behavior such as eating
sweets, or sleeping too much – even when we know that behaviour is not
good for us. We know but even then we do it.

How and why do such things happen?

None should think that these events just happen to crude people. Even
highly talented and successful people fall prey to this trap. Even our
esteemed acaryas have experienced such falls, big or small. What is the
reason?

According to Baba and His teaching of Ananda Marga ideology, the cause
and solutions to all these events are deeply rooted in spiritual science.

FIVE TYPES OF AVIDYA’

Here Baba points out the five types of avidya’ and it is the last one –
abhinivesha – that pulls human beings back toward their crude behaviors
of old.

Baba says, “In a human being, klesha-vrtti is caused by avidya’.
Avidya’, that is, the cardinal ignorance, is arranged in five stages.
Those five stages are avidya’, asmita’, ra’ga, dves’a and abhinivesha.
These forms of avidya’ are the causes of the birth of klis’t’a’-vrtti.”
(AV-2)

Baba says, “Defective cognition causes five kinds of afflictions, which
are also known as the five Avidya’s: avidya’ (negative force), asmita’
(egotism), ra’ga (blind attachment), dves’a (repulsion) and abhinivesha
(self-obsession).” (AMIWL-9)

Thus it is abhinivesha which drags us back towards our dark past.

Because the mind is fully aware about the past – but not aware about the
future. Naturally then, it is quite easy for the mind to think about the
past. It is a known entity. And then, once it thinks about the past, it
is just a matter of time until one starts following those old patterns
of behaviour. This is the common cycle or downward spiral.

ABHINIVESHA IS THE WORST, “MOST DANGEROUS”

Here Baba explains the key point about why abhinivesha is so dangerous.
The tricky thing about abhinivesha is that in cent-per-cent of the cases
the person involved knows that doing xyz is bad, even then he does it.
Such is the strong pull or allurement of abhinivesha.

Abhinivesha: Svarasovahi vidus’ohpi tatha’ ru’s’hobhinivesha.

Baba says, “The last one and the most dangerous one is abhinivesha. Even
the learned persons and the jina’niis, the scholars know that this is
this and that is that or what is what and which is which. Even knowing
everything they are entrapped by certain propensities. This particular
nature of weakness is called abhinivesha. Several times you would see a
teacher moving his fingers as if he is using a cane. In class room he
uses cane. Now there is no cane in hand but he is moving his finger in
that style. A drunkard knows that drinking is a very bad practice. Even
then he can not give it up. These are all examples of abhinivesha.” (AV-2)

Even when the rational mind is aware that stealing oversleeping, lying,
or overeating is harmful, still a person easily falls prey to their old
behaviours. That is why it is so dangerour: despite our awareness of the
inherent danger or harm, even then we resort to that action.

HUMANS MOSTLY GUIDED BY SENTIMENT

As human beings we are mostly guided by sentiment – it is rare for one
to be exclusively guided by rationality and ideology. By His grace we
can and will achieve this, but most commonly human sentiment pulls
people in one way or another.

In addition, that familiarity with ones old behaviors (samskaras)
creates a deep impression in the mind. In that case, within our own mind
we have a tendency toward animalistic or static habits.

This is the case with everyone. Thus between the laws of karma and our
sentimental mind, the human psychic plane is a breeding ground for
abhinivesha. That aspect of avidya’ ma’ya’ grows like weeds in the human
mind.

CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE

Here Baba points out how everyone – even great and talented people – get
caught in the clutches of abhinivesha.

Baba says, “Svarasova’hii vidus’o’pi tatha’ru’d’ho’bhiniveshah – “Even a
great scholar, a highly learned person, who knows what is proper and
what is improper, is still driven by his inherent reactive momenta, and
knowingly moves towards improper and undesirable things.” This mental
disease, which is in fact a crude movement driven by avidya’ [ignorance,
force of extroversion from the Cosmic Nucleus], is called abhinivesha.”
(SS-24)

In each and every land and country there are examples of well-known,
well-educated people who knew better but still got caught in the
hell-fire of abhinivesha. And in the end, they suffered terribly for it,
often ruining their lives.

A few years ago, the very, very popular and well-respected governor of
NY was caught in total scandal. For years and years he was a district
attorney who fought hard against prostitution, and then while governor
he himself got caught visiting a prostitute while on a business trip to
Washington. He was obviously quite aware about the negativity and danger
of prostitution, even then he himself got lured into it. In result he
lost his job, faced severe public humiliation, and destroyed his family
life as his wife and four teen-age daughters were aghast at what their
father had done.

This next case is more well-known. The former President Bill Clinton had
been caught cheating on his wife before he became president – he knew of
all the hazards involved – even then he fell into that trap again while
president. We all know the details. No need to repeat them here.

The main idea is that even when one has full and complete knowledge of
the horrors and defects of doing certain wrongful or crude acts, still
one falls face down in the mud because when those ideas start swirling
in the mind, it is not easy to overcome the temptation.

That is why even good people mess up and ruin their lives due to the
nasty curse of abhinivesha. This happens everywhere.

Indeed without sadhana, one is sure to fall prey to abhinivesha in one
manner or another. And even with sadhana, we can see that often people
get caught, to some degree or another, if they are not cent-per-cent
careful.

BABA’S STORY ABOUT ABHINIVESHA

Here Baba shares with us one story about abhinvesha.

Baba says, “Incidentally, I remember a story. Once there was an
alcoholic who realized, by studying good books and generally cultivating
his knowledge, that addiction to wine is a very bad habit indeed. Under
the influence of Vidya’ shakti he even made a vow to give up the habit
of drinking on the next auspicious day. When that auspicious day came he
marched resolutely past the wine bar he used to frequent. When he was
ten steps past the wine bar he said in self-appreciation, “Well done,
mind. You are so firm in your resolution to kick the habit of drinking
that you’ve succeeded in taking ten steps past the wine bar.
Congratulations! Today I will reward you for your courage. Let’s open
two bottles of wine!” After that the alcoholic continued to visit the
wine bar regularly and drink large quantities of wine. This story is a
beautiful illustration of abhinivesha or psychic obsession.” (AMIWL-8)

The force of avidya known as abhinivesh is so strong that even when we
have been defeating that very problem, still it can crop up and ensnare
us. Because abhinivesha resides in the deepest, darkest corner of the
human psyche.

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION

By Baba’s grace there are a number of solutions, and we must adhere to
most or all of them in order to conquer the age-old psychic ailment
known as abhinivesha.

1) Reading the shastras – books of Ananda Marga – give us the knowledge
and inspiration and lead a proper life, away from our past samskaras.
Svadhyaya then is very important. However, svahdyaya alone is not
enough. Theoretical knowledge can only bring us so far in life. We must
also fortify ourselves with practical experience.

2) Singing kiirtan is a great way to divert the mind from old thoughts
and invite a spirtual newness or slow in our psychic arena. By singing
and dancing and ideating on Baba, then we can wash away the ill-effects
of abhinivesha from the mind.

Baba says, “The human brain is limited, and its nerve cells also have a
limited capacity: they cannot tolerate these growing complexities.
Kiirtan gives bliss to Parama Purus’a in the mental sphere, and it also
brings joy to human beings both individually and collectively; it leads
them on the path of welfare and frees them from all these complexities.
It removes all the diseases of the intellect and allows people to think
easily and in the proper way.” (AV-22)

3) Doing sadhana is another very important practice for overcoming
abhinivesha. Our sadhana system, as we all know is very scientific. It
combines two distinct features or philsophies: As you think so you
become & the channelisation of mind. With these principles at work in
nearly every lesson- and most certainly in 1st lesson and dhyana, then
one’s entire mental stratum get cleaned and pointed towards the Supreme
Entity. In that case all one’s past samskaras related with abhinivesha
get smothered and removed from the mind.

4) Surrounding ourselves with satsaunga helps ensure we stay on the
proper path. Good company keeps us from reverting to old behaviours.
That is why satsuanga is looked upon as a key ingredient for attaining
liberation.

Baba says, ‘Satsaun’ga provides a positive psychic environment. Good
company leads to liberation whereas bad company is the cause of
bondages.” (Yoga Psychology)

Thus if we continually divert the mind towards Parama Purusa using the
aforementioned practices and approaches then it is sure that we can
overcome the trappings of abhinivesha. We must never let the mind get
diverted towards negative thoughts and past samskaras. And the way to do
that is to point the mind in a positive direction by thinking of Parama
Purusa. Then abhinivesha cannot grab hold of us.

BABA’S BLESSING

By Baba’s grace,l from this very moment, we will all move straight
toward to His cosmic nucleus and not get sucked into old, crude
behaviors due to the psyhic disease known as abhinivesha.

Baba says, “From where does abhinivesha derive its impetus? From the
acquired sam’ska’ras of human beings. As long as human beings are guided
by their own individual flow, they are microcosms, and when they are
guided by the Cosmic flow (Brahmarasa or Para’rasa) they become
liberated souls – they become one with Shiva.” (AMIWL-8)

Namaskar,
Motilal

******************************************
Who is Dharmic

Baba says, “By observing people’s conduct one will easily notice those who
are absorbed in divine love. Such people could never think of exploiting
others. Some of you know how I have described the exploiters. I said they
are adha’rmika – unvirtuous and sinful people.” (AV-7, p.12)

In the above teaching Baba is guiding us that by seeing the conduct we can
understand and recognise who is a devotee. Because everybody knows that
devotees never cheat others. Whereas those who exploit others are sinful
and they are not devotees.

Baba says, “If by building big temples and large rest houses for pilgrims
they think they are showing their love for God, they are false, vain, and
hypocritical. By giving away illgotten money the exploiters will never be
able to cover up their sins. One cannot acquire love for God so easily.”
(AV-7, p.12)

Here Baba is warning us how certain misguided and simple people think that
by erecting temples, big buildings, shrines, memorials and establishing
holy lands like the Jamalpur birthplace and the Tiljala Memorial building
they will thereby glorify themselves as great devotees. But the reality is
something else. Because those who are behind these projects are just
“hypocritical” and “false”. They are cheating margiis by taking away their
money and putting that in one of their tiirthas. Means such crude leaders
knowingly give false sentiments and cheat and befool simple margiis in
order to get their money. They say that, ‘You will get virtue by doing this
and that this is the only way to please Baba’. By this way simple people
get deceived and tricked into giving their whole life savings to the
Tiljala memorial or Jamalpur birthplace building.

Baba says, “Those who have attained Iishvaraprema, can never and will never
exploit others. They will raise their voice against all sorts of tyranny,
injustice and exploitation. Those who do not possess that kind of honest
courage to oppose all wrongs are nothing but fakes– they are never
genuine.” (AV-7, p. 12)

Some Wts do not like these types of negative tiirtha projects that are
imposed by various crude so-called leaders of AM. Because building up a
holy land goes completely against the spirit of Baba’s omnipresent nature.
So making a holy land is outrightly adharmic. But even then those
discontented Dadas never dare to oppose nor do they ever express their
severe dissatisfaction. With the ultimate irony being that they end up
becoming tools to exploit margiis by convincing them to donate whatever
money they have for building of these tiirthas.

So those directly exploiting margiis and those who are cowardly supporting
the dogmatic tiirtha agenda– both these parties are fake. They are not
genuine devotees. Everyone should recognise this basic truth which Baba is
guiding in the above divine teaching.